Planning a Meaningful Confirmation Party

It is definitely time for a party! So, how do you plan a fun confirmation party that celebrates this coming-of-age without losing the importance of this religious milestone? Remind your guests through the details. Here are a few ideas:

If possible, invite your guests to witness the confirmation at the church prior to the party or reception.

Choose a scripture verse to add to your invitation that has personal meaning to you.

Keep the focus on the meaning of the event with appropriate decorations and meaningful favors to send home with your guests.

Choose food, music and even party decorations to reflect the meaning of the occasion. Special touches say “this occasion is important to us.”

Prepare a toast to make during the party that includes your definition of what this milestone means to your child and to your family. Also ask godparents, grandparents and close family friends to make a similar toast. Some lovely Irish blessings are listed here.

Include a special dance with Mom or Dad. Top songs for Mother/Son and Father/Daughter listed here!

Discuss ideas with your teen about ways to spend any confirmation gift money that corresponds to the meaning of the day.

Choose a confirmation gift and sponsor gift that adds meaning and serves as a reminder of the service. A few fabulous confirmation gift ideas:

Sponsor Gift Ideas

A Bit More Relevant Information…

Confirmation Names

In some churches, it is traditional to select a Patron Saint’s name as your confirmation name. Any saint could be chosen that a special kinship is felt with. They serve as a heavenly patron you should attempt to imitate. We found a site that indexes Catholic Saints as related to specific topics, and offers a profile on each. This is a wonderful resource to find a patron saint who inspires you to be a better Christian.

Confirmation Symbols

Flames –“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:3-4)

Dove — A decending dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit arriving from heaven. Also a symbol of peace, the Dove is a very popular symbol for Confirmation.

Laying of Hands — Laying of hands to receive the holy spirit is part of the ceremony of Confirmation, which confirms and completes the promises of Baptism. “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit”” from Acts 8:14-17

Oil — “The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism (in the East other sense-organs as well), together with the laying on of the minister’s hand and the words: “Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti” (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman Rite, or “The seal of the gift that is the Holy Spirit” in the Byzantine rite.”When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among other ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. the celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.” (from www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3V.HTM)

6 thoughts on “Planning a Meaningful Confirmation Party”

Yes, it is customary to include the officiants on the invitation list. As my father said, “Always err on the side of generosity!” In my experience, if you are lucky, you will just get a stop-in appearance unless you normally socialize with your pastor(s). Seeing your pastor(s) there would add to the meaninful-ness, especially for your child, wouldn’t it!? I hope your celebration goes wonderfully!

Personally, I worry about overextending when I make my guest list, but always wish I had invited a broader group once the party is upon me. And maybe you will connect with the newer pastors, or your children will. I’d love to hear how it works out.